Sunday, May 19, 2013

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Alaska's Population Expected to Greatly Expand in Next 20 Years
Could be as high as 1.1 million by 2035
By KTVA CBS 11 News


ALASKA - The population will keep going up in Alaska over the next 20 years, which means big things for one sector of the economy.

While nearly all demographic groups are expected to grow over the next two decades, state researchers say Alaska's seniors are expected to lead the pack.

The state's 65 and over population is expected to nearly triple between now and 2035.

“It's the senior population that uses healthcare more than any other demographic group, so if you look at that it's hard to see a scenario where health care won't continue to grow just because that demographic group is going to grow so much,” said economist Neal Fried.

Depending on migration patterns and other factors, demographers said Alaska's population could be as high as 1.1 million by 2035.